spray nozzle

Abstract

To provide a spray nozzle that does not increase the weight of the spray nozzle, does not increase the diameter of the adjustment shaft, and prevents damage to the adjustment shaft. [Solution] An adjustment shaft 30, on which a valve body 32 is provided at one end and an operating knob 40 is attached at the other end, is axially movable in an adjustment shaft arrangement space 26 formed within the spray nozzle body 11. The adjustment shaft 30 is made of synthetic resin, and the other end of the adjustment shaft 30 is housed within the spray nozzle body 11 and the operating knob 40 so as not to be exposed from the spray nozzle body 11.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spray nozzle having an operation knob for rotating an adjustment shaft to move it in the axial direction.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-89545), as a spray nozzle used for spraying a liquid, in order to adjust the spray amount of the liquid or change the spray shape, an adjustment shaft is rotated by an operation knob to move it in the axial direction. Such a configuration is known. Further, Patent Document 2 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-168531) describes that by rotating an adjustment shaft by an operation knob and moving the adjustment shaft in the axial direction, it is possible to switch between a full cone-shaped spray and a direct spray.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the spray nozzles disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, an operator operates an operation knob provided at an end of an adjustment shaft to rotate the adjustment shaft and move the adjustment shaft in the axial direction. However, in the configurations such as those of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, since the adjustment shaft is exposed between the spray nozzle body and the operation knob, there is a problem that the adjustment shaft is likely to be damaged when the spray nozzle is dropped.

[0005] To prevent damage to the adjustment shaft, one possible solution is to increase its strength by making the adjustment shaft out of metal, or by increasing the diameter of the adjustment shaft. However, using a metal adjustment shaft increases the weight, which can lead to increased fatigue for the operator holding the spray nozzle. Additionally, increasing the diameter of the adjustment shaft increases water pressure, making it difficult to turn the control knob.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and its objective is to provide a spray nozzle that does not increase the weight of the spray nozzle and does not increase the diameter of the adjustment shaft, while preventing damage to the adjustment shaft. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The spray nozzle according to the present invention is characterized in that an adjustment shaft, to which a valve body is provided at one end and an operating knob is attached at the other end, is axially movable in an adjustment shaft arrangement space formed within the spray nozzle body, the adjustment shaft is made of synthetic resin, and the other end of the adjustment shaft is housed within the spray nozzle body and the operating knob so as not to be exposed from the spray nozzle body. By adopting this configuration, the adjustment shaft can be made of synthetic resin, thus reducing its weight, and since it is not exposed from the spray nozzle body, damage to the adjustment shaft can be prevented without increasing its diameter.

[0008] Furthermore, one end of the operating knob is rotatably housed in an operating knob storage section formed at the other end of the spray nozzle body. This configuration allows for a specific design in which the adjustment shaft is not exposed from the spray nozzle body.

[0009] Furthermore, the operating knob has an adjustment shaft housing portion for housing the other end of the adjustment shaft, the outer circumferential surface of the other end of the adjustment shaft has a plurality of grooves extending along the axial direction of the adjustment shaft, the inner circumferential surface of the adjustment shaft housing portion of the operating knob has grooves that engage with the grooves formed on the adjustment shaft, a male screw portion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the adjustment shaft on one side of the position where the grooves are formed, and a female screw portion that screws into the male screw portion is formed on the inner wall surface of the adjustment shaft arrangement space on one side of the operating knob housing portion of the spray nozzle body. In this configuration, when the operating knob is rotated, the adjustment shaft rotates due to the interlocking grooves between it and the adjustment shaft, and when the adjustment shaft, which has a male screw portion, rotates, the adjustment shaft can move in the axial direction due to the screwing with the female screw portion.

[0010] Furthermore, the operating knob has a gripping portion for the operator to grasp and a columnar portion that is smaller in diameter than the gripping portion and protrudes to one side, the columnar portion has a groove formed along the circumferential direction on its outer surface, and a retaining pin is provided that enters into the groove of the columnar portion housed in the operating knob housing from the outer surface of the operating knob housing, so that the operating knob is housed in the operating knob housing in a rotatable and secure manner. With this configuration, the operating knob is attached to the spray nozzle body in a way that prevents it from coming loose and allows it to rotate.

[0011] Furthermore, the operating knob has a gripping portion for the operator to grasp and a columnar portion that is smaller in diameter than the gripping portion and protrudes to one side, a gap is formed between the gripping portion and the columnar portion, one end of the gripping portion is located to one side of the other end of the operating knob housing, and the gripping portion is formed to cover the other end of the operating knob housing. With this configuration, the gripping portion covers the other end of the operating knob housing on the spray nozzle body, thus protecting the area near the other end of the operating knob housing and further ensuring that the adjustment shaft is not damaged. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the spray nozzle of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the adjustment shaft from being damaged without increasing the weight of the spray nozzle and without increasing the diameter of the adjustment shaft.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view from the front showing the overall configuration of the spray nozzle. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view from the rear showing the overall configuration of the spray nozzle. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view from the side of the spray nozzle. [Figure 4] It is a partially exploded view of the front side of the spray nozzle. [Figure 5] It is a partially exploded view of the rear side of the spray nozzle. [Figure 6] It is a perspective view from the front of the adjustment shaft. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view from the rear of the adjustment shaft.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] The spray nozzle of the present embodiment will be described below based on the following drawings. Figures 1 to 2 show the overall configuration of the spray nozzle. Further, Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the spray nozzle seen from the side. Figures 4 to 5 are exploded views for showing the structures of the operation knob 40 and the adjustment shaft 30. Figures 6 to 7 are perspective views of the adjustment shaft 30.

[0015] The spray nozzle 10 is used for watering and spraying chemicals in agricultural work and the like. The spray nozzle 10 of the present embodiment is of a gun type, and includes a spray nozzle body 11 in which an adjustment shaft 30 is arranged inside, and a grip portion 12 that an operator holds. A cover 19 is provided on the front side of the spray nozzle body 11 (the side where the spray port 28 for spraying liquid is provided: one side), and an operation knob 40 that can be operated by an operator is provided on the rear side (the other side).

[0016] The internal structure of the spray nozzle 10 will be described below. The grip portion 12 is connectable to an external liquid supply pipe (not shown), and a first flow path 20 for causing the liquid to be sprayed, supplied from the liquid supply pipe, to flow is formed. The grip portion 12 is provided with a trigger 14 that can be operated by an operator to open and close the first flow path 20.

[0017] A closing valve 24 biased by a spring 22 so as to constantly block the first flow path 20 is provided between the grip portion 12 and the spray nozzle body 11. When the operator operates the trigger 14, the trigger 14 moves the closing valve 24 against the biasing direction to open the first flow path 20.

[0018] A second flow path 23 is formed between the closing valve 24 and the spray nozzle body 11, and the liquid supplied from the first flow path 20 flows through the second flow path 23 and is supplied into the spray nozzle body 11.

[0019] An adjustment shaft 30 is disposed in an adjustment shaft arrangement space 26 of the spray nozzle body 11 so as to be axially movable. The second flow path 23 is connected to this adjustment shaft arrangement space 26, and the liquid that has flowed through the second flow path 23 is supplied into the adjustment shaft arrangement space 26.

[0020] In the adjustment shaft arrangement space 26, a gap through which the liquid can flow is formed between the adjustment shaft 30 on the front side of the location where the second flow path 23 is connected, and the liquid flows through this gap. In the adjustment shaft arrangement space 26, two O-rings 29 are provided in a mounting groove 17 of the adjustment shaft 30 to block the space between the adjustment shaft arrangement space 26 and the adjustment shaft 30 so that the liquid does not flow to the operation knob 40 side on the rear side of the location where the second flow path 23 is connected. Note that the number of O-rings 29 is not limited to two.

[0021] A valve body 32 is provided at the front end of the adjustment shaft 30, and the amount of liquid sprayed and the spray shape can be changed by the valve body 32 moving toward and away from the spray port 28 of the spray nozzle body 11. In this embodiment, the adjustment shaft arrangement space 26 has a tapered section 15 that gradually decreases in diameter towards the front, and a helical groove 31 is formed on the outer circumference of the valve body 32.

[0022] In this embodiment, when the valve body 32 is close to the spray nozzle 28, the valve body 32 is located in the small-diameter portion of the tapered section 15. At this time, the gap between the valve body 32 and the adjustment shaft arrangement space 26 is almost eliminated, and the liquid that has flowed through the gap between the adjustment shaft 30 and the adjustment shaft arrangement space 26 passes through the helical groove 31. The liquid that has passed through the helical groove 31 becomes a vortex and is sprayed directly from the spray nozzle 28, forming a holocone-shaped spray. Then, when the adjustment shaft 30 moves to the rear and the valve body 32 is separated from the spray nozzle 28, the valve body 32 is positioned in the large-diameter portion of the tapered section 15. At this time, the gap between the valve body 32 and the adjustment shaft arrangement space 26 becomes larger, and a larger amount of liquid passes through areas other than the helical groove 31, so that the liquid sprayed from the spray nozzle 28 can have a direct spray shape.

[0023] Furthermore, in this invention, the action based on the forward and backward movement of the adjustment shaft 30 of the spray nozzle 10 is not limited to the change in spray shape described above. For example, by forming the valve body 32 and the adjustment shaft arrangement space 26 into conical shapes that gradually decrease in diameter towards the front, the amount of liquid sprayed decreases when the adjustment shaft 30 is moved forward, and increases when the adjustment shaft 30 is moved backward (not shown). A configuration that changes the amount of liquid sprayed in this manner is also possible.

[0024] Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface of the adjustment shaft 30 is provided with flow straightening plates 34 at multiple locations in the front-rear direction to straighten the liquid flowing through the gap between the valve body 32 and the adjustment shaft arrangement space 26. The flow straightening plates 34 are formed to protrude in four directions, for example, and each tip is positioned to substantially abut against the inner wall surface of the adjustment shaft arrangement space 26. Therefore, the flow straightening plates 34 also have a vibration prevention function that prevents the adjustment shaft 30 from wobbling within the adjustment shaft arrangement space 26.

[0025] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the adjustment shaft 30 consists of a front adjustment shaft 30a and a rear adjustment shaft 30b connected at a connecting portion 56 to form a single adjustment shaft 30. By making the adjustment shaft 30 separable into front and rear sections, the front adjustment shaft 30a, which has a different valve body shape, can be swapped. For example, in this embodiment, the spray shape is switched between a holo-cone and a direct spray, but it is possible to easily switch between different spray shapes by swapping the front adjustment shaft 30a, which has a different valve body shape.

[0026] The adjustment shaft 30 is made of synthetic resin. The synthetic resin needs to have sufficient strength to withstand the pressure of the liquid, and polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS resin, etc., can be used. Furthermore, by making the adjustment shaft 30 from synthetic resin, it is possible to achieve a lighter weight compared to a metal adjustment shaft, thereby reducing operator fatigue.

[0027] The configuration of the operating knob 40 and the adjustment shaft 30 (rear adjustment shaft 30b) will be explained in more detail below. An operating knob 40 is attached to the other side of the adjustment shaft 30b. By rotating the operating knob 40, the operator can move the adjustment shaft 30 in the axial direction, thereby changing the amount and shape of the liquid spray, as described above. The operating knob 40 consists of a gripping portion 45, which is the part that the operator grasps, and a columnar portion 49 that protrudes forward from the gripping portion 45. The columnar portion 49 has a smaller diameter than the gripping portion 45. A hollow cylindrical section, the operating knob storage section 33, is formed on the rear side of the spray nozzle body 11, and the columnar portion 49 of the operating knob 40 is housed inside the operating knob storage section 33.

[0028] The following configuration is in which the adjustment shaft 30 moves in the axial direction when the operating knob 40 is rotated. The other end of the adjustment shaft 30 is inserted into the adjustment shaft housing 42 formed in the columnar portion 49 of the operating knob 40. Multiple grooves 38 extending along the axial direction of the adjustment shaft 30 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the other end of the adjustment shaft 30, and grooves 44 that engage with the grooves 38 formed on the adjustment shaft housing portion 42 of the operating knob 40 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the adjustment shaft housing portion 42.

[0029] With this configuration, the operating knob 40 and the adjustment shaft 30 can rotate together around the axis of the adjustment shaft 30 because their respective grooves 38 and 44 interlock within the adjustment shaft housing 42. Furthermore, the grooves 38 on the adjustment shaft 30 and the grooves 44 within the adjustment shaft housing 42 are movable relative to each other along the axial direction of the adjustment shaft 30.

[0030] On the adjustment shaft 30, a male threaded portion 39 is formed on the outer circumferential surface on one side of the portion where the uneven grooves 38 are formed. Furthermore, a female threaded portion 27 is formed on the inner wall surface of the adjustment shaft arrangement space 26 within the spray nozzle body 11, which engages with the male threaded portion 39 of the adjustment shaft 30. Therefore, when the operating knob 40 is rotated, the adjustment shaft 30 rotates accordingly due to the female screw portion 27 of the adjustment shaft arrangement space 26, and the adjustment shaft 30 moves in the axial direction due to the action of the screw.

[0031] Even when the adjustment shaft 30 moves in the axial direction, the adjustment shaft 30 moves in the axial direction within the adjustment shaft housing 42 of the operating knob 40. Therefore, the operating knob 40 does not move along the axial direction of the adjustment shaft 30 as the adjustment shaft 30 moves in the axial direction, and the position of the operating knob 40 remains unchanged. In other words, even when the adjustment shaft 30 moves in the axial direction, the columnar portion 49 of the operating knob 40 remains housed within the operating knob storage portion 33 of the spray nozzle body 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the adjustment shaft 30 is completely housed within the spray nozzle body 11 and the operating knob 40, regardless of which direction it moves in the axial direction, and is never exposed to the outside.

[0032] Furthermore, the gripping portion 45 of the operating knob 40 has a larger diameter than the columnar portion 49, and a gap 50 is formed between the gripping portion 45 and the columnar portion 49. Furthermore, the front end of the gripping portion 45 is positioned in front of the rear end of the operating knob storage portion 33, and the gripping portion 45 covers the rear end of the operating knob storage portion 33 (see Figure 3). This prevents foreign objects from entering from the operating knob storage portion 33 and further ensures that the adjustment shaft 30 is not exposed.

[0033] A retaining pin 52 is inserted into the columnar portion 49 of the operating knob 40, in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the adjustment shaft 30, from the outer circumferential surface of the operating knob housing 33, while the operating knob 40 is housed in the operating knob housing 33. Multiple grooves 54 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the columnar portion 49 of the operating knob 40, and the retaining pin 52 enters into these grooves 54. The entry of the retaining pin 52 into the grooves 54 prevents the operating knob 40 from coming out of the operating knob housing 33. Since the retaining pin 52 enters into the grooves 54 along the circumferential direction of the operating knob 40, it can perform its retaining function without hindering the rotation of the operating knob 40.

[0034] As described above, in the configuration of this embodiment, the rear end of the adjustment shaft 30 is inserted into the adjustment shaft housing 42 of the columnar portion 49 of the operating knob 40, and the columnar portion 49 of the operating knob 40 is inserted into the operating knob housing 33 of the spray nozzle body 11. In this way, since the adjustment shaft 30 is not exposed between the spray nozzle body 11 and the operating knob 40, it is possible to prevent damage to the adjustment shaft 30 without making the adjustment shaft 30 out of a synthetic resin which is lighter than metal, or without increasing the diameter of the adjustment shaft 30.

[0035] Although the spray nozzles described in the embodiments above were of the gun type, the spray nozzle of the present invention is not limited to the gun type as described in the embodiments above. The configuration of the present invention can be applied to any spray nozzle in which the movement of the adjustment shaft in the axial direction is controlled by an operating knob. Furthermore, the configuration may not include a cover around the spray nozzle. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0036] 10 spray nozzles 11. Spray nozzle body 12. Grip section 14 Trigger 15 Tapered section 17 Mounting groove 19 Cover 20 First channel 22 Springs 23 Second channel 24. Closure valve 26 Adjustment axis arrangement space 27 Female thread section 28 Spray nozzle 29 O-rings 30 Adjustment axis 30a Front adjustment shaft 30b Rear adjustment shaft 31 Groove 32 valve body 33. Operating knob storage section 34 Current plate 38 Uneven strip 39 Male threaded section 40 Operating knobs 42 Adjustment shaft housing 44 Uneven strip 45 Gripping part 49 Columnar part 50 gaps 52 Retaining pin 54 Groove 56 Connecting part

Claims

1. An adjustment shaft, with a valve body at one end and an operating knob attached to the other end, is axially movable within an adjustment shaft arrangement space formed inside the spray nozzle body. The adjustment shaft is made of synthetic resin, A spray nozzle characterized in that the other end of the adjustment shaft is housed within the spray nozzle body and the operating knob so as not to be exposed from the spray nozzle body.

2. The spray nozzle according to claim 1, characterized in that one end of the operating knob is rotatably housed in an operating knob storage portion formed at the other end of the spray nozzle body.

3. The aforementioned operating knob has an adjustment shaft housing portion that houses the other end of the adjustment shaft. The outer circumferential surface of the other end of the adjustment shaft has a plurality of grooves extending along the axial direction of the adjustment shaft. The inner circumferential surface of the adjustment shaft housing portion of the operating knob has grooves formed on it that engage with grooves formed on the adjustment shaft. A male screw portion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the adjustment shaft on one side of the position where the grooves are formed. The spray nozzle according to claim 2, characterized in that a female screw portion that engages with the male screw portion is formed on the inner wall surface of the adjustment shaft arrangement space on one side of the operating knob storage portion of the spray nozzle body.

4. The aforementioned operating knob has a gripping portion for the operator to grasp and a columnar portion that is smaller in diameter than the gripping portion and protrudes to one side. The columnar portion has grooves formed on its outer surface that are aligned in the circumferential direction. A retaining pin is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the operating knob housing, which enters into the groove of the columnar portion housed in the operating knob housing. The spray nozzle according to claim 2, characterized in that the operating knob is rotatably and securely stored in the operating knob storage section.

5. The aforementioned operating knob is It has a gripping portion for the worker to hold, and a columnar portion that is smaller in diameter than the gripping portion and protrudes to one side. A gap is formed between the gripping portion and the columnar portion. The spray nozzle according to claim 2, characterized in that one end of the gripping portion is located to one side of the other end of the operating knob storage portion, and the gripping portion is formed to cover the other end of the operating knob storage portion.

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